Discusses Japan's policy structure for its telecommunications sector, claiming that the move toward deregulation is responding less to international example and more to internal pressures from new entrants into the market. (MM)

This statement was presented by the chairman of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company before a United States Senate subcommittee hearing on domestic communications common carrier policies. It contains a discussion of the principles that have governed the telephone industry throughout its history and then presents arguments against the…

Describes the nature and operations of Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN). Argues that while Western European nations have advanced centralized planning for the introduction of ISDN, the United States is proceeding slowly because of a lack of universal standards and the state of deregulatory policy. (MM)

Four papers consider competition, new technology and economics of local telephone companies in a deregulated environment: (1) "An Engineering and Policy Analysis of Fiber Introduction into the Residential Subscriber Loop" (Marvin Sirbu, Frank Ferrante, and David Reed); (2) "Competition in the Local Loop: Pricing Carrier Access"…

Forty-seven statements by industrial and business spokesmen, union and association representatives, and professors concern the broad impact of technological change on individuals, establishments, and society in general. Some of the longer presentations are (1) "The Poverty and Unemployment Crisis," by Walter Buckingham, (2) "Technological…

The web of relations among present and prospective changes in information systems provides a background against which public policy on information and telecommunication can be assessed. Telecommunication networks, broadcast regulation, and private line services all provide resources for news dissemination to the public. The costs, prices, and…

The rapid growth of data communications and remote-access computing has outpaced the ability of industrial organizations to adapt to change, and at the same time has outpaced the ability of government policy making organizations to guide the evolution of this new technology. This book focuses on a number of important issues awaiting resolution by…

Examines various approaches to establishing nationally available videotext systems, in which text and graphics are offered to a mass audience on television screens with keypad converters. Asserts that a successful approach creates a hybrid between the competitive approach found in the United States and a state-encouraged system. (MM)

This document presents witness testimony and supplemental materials from a Congressional hearing regarding legislation to reform national telecommunications policy. Most of the proposed changes would allow Americans greater freedom to choose among communication products and services. Among the topics this hearing addresses are increasing…

This document provides the text of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, legislation enacted "to promote competition and reduce regulation in order to secure lower prices and higher quality services for American telecommunications consumers and encourage the rapid deployment of new telecommunications technologies." The legislation contains…

A staff paper to the President's Task Force on Communications Policy reviews the organization of the American international communications industries and recommends a consolidation of the competing international carriers. Particularly emphasized is the competition and division of ownership between the two technologies involved in international…

Discusses the policy issues surrounding the provision of electronic information services by the Regional Bell Operating Companies and describes court cases, legislative activities, and key players. Concerns for librarians, including freedom of expression, privacy, and access to service are noted; and a sidebar summarizes American Library…

The growing need for an understanding of the information industries in the United States led to the Program on Information Technologies and Public Policy. The public has a vital interest in the rapid and fundamental changes occurring in how information systems perform, who controls information flow, and on what terms what information is made…

This white paper informs Californians of the implications of the possible merger of Pacific Telesis and Southwestern Bell Corporation, under consideration by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The decision will determine the future direction and character of telecommunications in California. Only a small number of Californians are…

Discusses the emerging three-tiered structure (i.e., the "Baby Bells," network nodes, and information marketers) that will assume responsibility for implementing a new national information network and getting networked information to the public. The role of libraries related to networked information is also considered. (EA)